P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes admits its back to “underdog status” after a bruising second half of the 2024 season so far. So just what’s going so wrong? Edd Straw and Gary Anderson investigate
The United States Grand Prix last weekend was a frustrating one for Mercedes, leading team principal Toto Wolff to admit they’re back to underdog status. While it might be easy to blame a failed upgrade package, the reality is more complex, with trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin highlighting the lack of clean sessions. Despite showing promise, the car struggles to stay in its optimal performance window, as seen in qualifying where both drivers faced setbacks. Wolff stresses the importance of continuing with upgrades to maximize lap time potential and solve the car’s fluctuating performance issues. Analyzing and addressing the intricate interactions between aero and mechanical elements will be key for Mercedes to unlock their full potential and finish the season on a strong note.
